My understanding is that bike theft is so prevalent not because it is uniquely profitable, but rather because it is uniquely safe and undercharged. (it is rar

My understanding is that bike theft is so prevalent not because it is uniquely profitable, but rather because it is uniquely safe and undercharged. (it is rarely investigated/prosecuted, and even when you do get caught you aren't going to get nailed with much.) Targeting particular bikes isn't going to work well then. To get particular bikes, not just bikes you happen to find on the sidewalk, you are going to need to do some breaking and entering too; a significantly riskier crime (and while you are at it, you might as well take the television too... if this is your sort of gig, chances are you are doing this with or without a bike registry).